M.S. in Marine Science
Student Interview with: Matt McCarthy
Undergraduate institution and program: University of Florida,
Anthropology Major
What made you choose UNCW?

After graduating from UF I moved to Greenville, NC and enrolled in East Carolina
University’s Maritime Archaeology M.S. program. Before long I realized it was the not the
field or career path for me, and decided to pursue my original passion of marine science. As
an early biology major at UF, I had completed the required coursework to apply for M.S.
marine science programs, and found UNCW through graduate program directories and from
recommendations by ECU professors. I was accepted to several programs, but decided on
UNCW based on their location (beach-side!), multitude of researchers with similar interests,
and high praise from ECU PIs.
What is the difference between marine science as a Masters program and something
like Marine Biology, Chemistry or Geology?

Marine Science is an interdisciplinary field that requires competency in the fundamentals of
the hard sciences, while allowing one to specialize in a subdiscipline of choice. I am most
interested in climate change research, and have found that my courses here have helped
me understand the biological, chemical, physical, and geological components and
consequences of a changing global climate, whereas coursework in only one of these
specialties might limit my opportunities to approach research on it in the future.
Describe your schedule, what is a normal week like at UNCW?

I highly recommend completing all coursework in the first two or three semesters. This may
seem like a heavy load, but it is more than feasible with good time management and
motivation. My weeks have consisted of daily classes, teaching or TA-ing most days, thesis
research/prospectus writing, and meetings with my advisors to guide my research.

There is more than enough time for yourself if you stay on top of things. I’ve been playing
volleyball and soccer several times each week, and exploring Wilmington and North Carolina
with friends on the weekends.
What has made you successful in this program?

I felt like an underdog when I entered this program amidst chemistry and biology
undergraduate majors, but I was determined to graduate in two years, and excited to
complete my thesis research project. From the beginning, my advisor pushed me to apply
for scholarships, awards, and research competitions. So far, I’ve presented my research at
four conferences, won four awards/scholarships, and am expecting at least one publication
from my thesis. I’ve been successful because I’ve taken the unavoidable stress of graduate
school in stride with extracurricular activities (beach trips help), and because I really like my
thesis project and advisors (most of the time).
How do you meet the cost of study?

I have had a full-time (20 hours/week) teaching assistantship each semester to help pay the
bills. I was also lucky enough to receive an out-of-state tuition remission for most of my
credit hours. Nevertheless, I have had to take out small Stafford Subsidized and
Unsubsidized loans each semester to pay the difference in tuition.
What are your plans after graduation?

I am currently applying for Ph.D. programs in Marine Science and Atmospheric Science at
universities around the country. I would like to advance research related to climate change,
either in Southern Ocean, or coral reef responses to ocean acidification and warmer
temperatures. The dream is to teach and conduct research at a higher level education
institution.
What have been the highlights and low lights of the program so far?

Low lights are few and far between, and none stick out that would be different from any
other science Masters program. Teaching, presenting at conferences, and weekly summer
beach trips have made everything worth it.
What advice do you have for students thinking of applying to the MS Marine Science
program at UNCW?

Do it. You are certain to find professors conducting research on a subject that interests you.
The small classes and friendly community make UNCW and Wilmington a great place to live!